Watford sack Bilic and appoint Wilder for rest of season

Bilic's last game was a 0-0 draw at home to Preston on Saturday, a result that left them with just one win in their last eight league matches and four points off the Championship play-off places. Watford have won just three games since Christmas, and picked up only 14 points from a possible 36.

Bilic won 10 of his 26 matches in charge after being appointed in September on an 18-month contract, replacing Rob Edwards who was axed after only 10 league games.

After their draw with Preston, when questioned about his future, Bilic said: "I know why [the club] brought me here and they've been very good towards me and I have a good relationship but I know I have a job to do.

Watford technical director Ben Manga said of the club's decision: "We are all ambitious to succeed this season, so something new is needed quickly while the opportunity of promotion is still real